New to DL - several questions

[RobinVanellope]

Howdy~

We will be in DL for 5 days (park hopper) in July, 2 adults, no children. Unfortunately, it is the same time SW will be opening. We really don't need to see the SW stuff, but in passing.
I know it will be crowded, but it is the only time we can go and have already purchased tix. We are staying off site, but within "walking" distance.

~Any tips to arriving?
~I know we won't see everything, but how can we get the most bang for our buck?
~Any "must do" restaurants or QS?
~Any tours or package deals with eating and attractions?

ALL tips and "secrets" appreciated.

I've been to WDW several times and I know DL is very different.

Thank you, so much
Robin

 

[gottalovepluto]

With 5 days you will see everything, SWGE excluded, and will get to repeat your favorites

Starter info here https://www.disboards.com/threads/d...iews-hydroguys-tips-newbie-info-here.1072276/

 

[HydroGuy]

Howdy~

We will be in DL for 5 days (park hopper) in July, 2 adults, no children. Unfortunately, it is the same time SW will be opening. We really don't need to see the SW stuff, but in passing.
I know it will be crowded, but it is the only time we can go and have already purchased tix. We are staying off site, but within "walking" distance.

Clarifying, if you visit in July it will not be the same time SWGE will be opening. It will be shortly thereafter. I thought you were seeking advice for handling opening day.

~Any tips to arriving?

Being offsite, if you arrive at park opening (i.e., rope drop - RD) then I would plan to head to the park without EMH. If you arrive one hour or more after RD, then it does not matter.

If I want to do really do RD, I arrive 30-45 minutes before RD. Not sure how SWGE will change things, but maybe not as much as many have feared if DLR restricts entry as reported.

~I know we won't see everything, but how can we get the most bang for our buck?

With 5 day PH tickets, you can see almost everything.

I would plan out your evening shows - if those interest you. One evening for WOC and one for Fantasmic! The MMM fireworks seems to be getting mixed reviews so that is up to you.

If Disney brings back the Paint the Night parade as many have speculated, you must see that. The best Disney parade ever IMO. So that would be a 3rd night of your 5.

Most bang for the buck will be to arrive at RD, take a 3-5 hour afternoon break, and come back and stay late. See "Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

~Any "must do" restaurants or QS?

IMO the only must do is Blue Bayou at DL.

After that there are a number of nice to do but not must do.

~Any tours or package deals with eating and attractions?

WOC is an awesome show (IMO the best show at either DLR or WDW) but with a flawed viewing area. If you want to do something special and save yourself some WOC wear and tear, do the WOC Dessert package.

Also a dining package for Fantasmic is a good idea to get your seating spot on the hard concrete.

ALL tips and "secrets" appreciated.

I've been to WDW several times and I know DL is very different.

Lurk around here for other tips and secrets.

The Frozen stage show at DCA is really good and you should plan for that.

Plan to ride GOTG multiple times to catch the 6 different scenes.

RSR is the most in demand FP ride. Until such time as MFSR and, ultimately, ROTR start offering it.

Get MaxPass - it is a no-brainer IMO for a group of two. See a good review of the DLR MaxPass system by @Skyegirl1999 can be found here: "Maxpass/Fastpass: an overview and some strategy" - www.disboards.com/threads/maxpass-fastpass-an-overview-and-some-strategy.3726246/
"Comparing DLR's MaxPass to WDW's FastPass+" - https://www.disboards.com/threads/comparing-dlrs-maxpass-to-wdws-fastpass.3726294/

The DLR Guide for WDW Vets has lots of good info if I say so myself - "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[RobinVanellope]

With 5 days you will see everything, SWGE excluded, and will get to repeat your favorites

Starter info here https://www.disboards.com/threads/d...iews-hydroguys-tips-newbie-info-here.1072276/

Perfect. Thanks

 

[RobinVanellope]

Clarifying, if you visit in July it will not be the same time SWGE will be opening. It will be shortly thereafter. I thought you were seeking advice for handling opening day.


Being offsite, if you arrive at park opening (i.e., rope drop - RD) then I would plan to head to the park without EMH. If you arrive one hour or more after RD, then it does not matter.

If I want to do really do RD, I arrive 30-45 minutes before RD. Not sure how SWGE will change things, but maybe not as much as many have feared if DLR restricts entry as reported.

With 5 day PH tickets, you can see almost everything.

I would plan out your evening shows - if those interest you. One evening for WOC and one for Fantasmic! The MMM fireworks seems to be getting mixed reviews so that is up to you.

If Disney brings back the Paint the Night parade as many have speculated, you must see that. The best Disney parade ever IMO. So that would be a 3rd night of your 5.

Most bang for the buck will be to arrive at RD, take a 3-5 hour afternoon break, and come back and stay late. See "Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

IMO the only must do is Blue Bayou at DL.

After that there are a number of nice to do but not must do.

WOC is an awesome show (IMO the best show at either DLR or WDW) but with a flawed viewing area. If you want to do something special and save yourself some WOC wear and tear, do the WOC Dessert package.

Also a dining package for Fantasmic is a good idea to get your seating spot on the hard concrete.


Lurk around here for other tips and secrets.

The Frozen stage show at DCA is really good and you should plan for that.

Plan to ride GOTG multiple times to catch the 6 different scenes.

RSR is the most in demand FP ride. Until such time as MFSR and, ultimately, ROTR start offering it.

Get MaxPass - it is a no-brainer IMO for a group of two. See a good review of the DLR MaxPass system by @Skyegirl1999 can be found here: "Maxpass/Fastpass: an overview and some strategy" - www.disboards.com/threads/maxpass-fastpass-an-overview-and-some-strategy.3726246/
"Comparing DLR's MaxPass to WDW's FastPass+" - https://www.disboards.com/threads/comparing-dlrs-maxpass-to-wdws-fastpass.3726294/

The DLR Guide for WDW Vets has lots of good info if I say so myself - "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

wow. Thank you so much, this is absolutely amazing info.

 

[Mike_M]

RSR is the most in demand FP ride. Until such time as MFSR and, ultimately, ROTR start offering it.

Don't be afraid of trying the single rider line here. It's been just as fast as the FP line for me and I've more than a couple times ended up in the same car as the person I was with anyways.

 

[RobinVanellope]

Don't be afraid of trying the single rider line here. It's been just as fast as the FP line for me and I've more than a couple times ended up in the same car as the person I was with anyways.

Right on. Thanks.

 

[kimmar067]

....can anyone provide a link to a PPH thread and a DLH thread? I cannot seem to find one...TIA!

 

[HydroGuy]

....can anyone provide a link to a PPH thread and a DLH thread? I cannot seem to find one...TIA!

Go to the newbies sticky thread:

* DLR Info/Links - Maps, Hotels, DISer Reviews, Hydroguy's tips, NEWBIE INFO here!
https://www.disboards.com/threads/d...iews-hydroguys-tips-newbie-info-here.1072276/

I do not recall there ever being a PPH thread. Only DLH and GCH.

 

[ryanfze55]

With five days, you can see and do pretty much everything! Almost everything... my family was just there for five days and the notable things I didn’t ride were Incredicoaster and Guardians of the Galaxy. We only spent one day in DCA, and I just didn’t have time. So I’m not sure if you will fit Star Wars Land in, but everything else will easily fit.

If you’ve only been to WDW, there are some attractions at Disneyland that you should definitely make a priority to do: Pirates of the Caribbean (better at DL), Space Mountain (arguably better at DL), Fantasmic (much better at DL), Radiator Springs Racers, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Indiana Jones Adventure are the most notable. Fantasyland also has some very classic dark rides that aren’t available at WDW... they are as charming as they are outdated. Also, check out Mickey and the Magical Map at the Fantasyland Theater. It doesn’t get a ton of attention on these boards, but I find it to be a very strong show. The Frozen show at the Hyperion in DCA is also a very good Broadway-style show that has no equivalent at WDW.

I would definitely get MaxPass through the Disneyland app. I believe it is $15 per day per ticket. So budget $150 for the whole trip. It’s well worth it.

If you want to splurge, you can book the World of Color dessert party or dining package. The dessert party is $79 per person and allows you to sit during the show. The dining package is a bit cheaper but leaves you in standing room only during the World of Color show. We did the dining package a few weeks ago. Personally, I would just get a Fastpass next time over doing the dining package. I’m 5’6 and my wife is even shorter, and the view can be very obstructed. The Fastpass kiosk for World of Color is located in the walkway between Grizzly Peak and the Little Mermaid ride (reference a map for exact location). If you arrive at rope drop, you can easily get a Fastpass for the show that night.

Lastly, I highlh recommend the restaurants in New Orleans Square. Blue Bayou is expensive table service, Cafe Orleans is moderately priced table service, and French Market is quick service. They all have terrific food, and New Orleans Square is a great place to hangout and relax for awhile. The food at Cafe Orleans is just as good as the food at Blue Bayou. At Blue Bayou, you are paying for atmosphere. But if Disneyland will be a one time trip for you, I’d say give Blue Bayou a shot. I also like Hungry Bear, a quick service in Critter Country. If you get a table near the back, you can sit right by the Rivers of America. It’s very quaint. And if you’re fond of corn dogs, the greatest corn dog in the world exists at the Little Red Wagon on Main Street.

With Star Wars opening, crowds will likely be a thing. A major thing. But you will have fun. Disneyland is very different from WDW. It’s more laid back, less planned out. It needs more Muppets though (just one man’s opinion).

 

[rstevens333]

I've only been once, but as a WDW person, I found MaxPass to be extremely useful.

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride is still amazing. Matterhorn was a revelation. Loved it.

 

[kimmar067]

I do not recall there ever being a PPH thread. Only DLH and GCH.

...fair enough....do you have that DH link? I only found the GCH one [unless I win the lottery in the very near future, GCH is out of the question for me...]

 

[StarlitNight05]

...fair enough....do you have that DH link? I only found the GCH one [unless I win the lottery in the very near future, GCH is out of the question for me...]

Here is the link to the DLH superthread: https://www.disboards.com/threads/the-disneyland-hotel-super-thread.2802175/

 

[kimmar067]

Here is the link to the DLH superthread: https://www.disboards.com/threads/the-disneyland-hotel-super-thread.2802175/

...thank you so much...

 

[StarlitNight05]

...thank you so much...

No problem! Oh and I just noticed this Paradise Pier thread today, not sure if you spotted it too: https://www.disboards.com/threads/paradise-pier-thread.2914395/

I never even knew it existed!

 

[kimmar067]

No problem! Oh and I just noticed this Paradise Pier thread today, not sure if you spotted it too: https://www.disboards.com/threads/paradise-pier-thread.2914395/

I never even knew it existed!

....me neither! Thanks for the link!